Consumer Protection is concerned about a Byford landscaper who has accepted payment for work which has not been carried out.

Trevor James Potter, trading as Trevors Landscape Services and Liven Your Landscape (both unregistered), allegedly owes consumers a total of almost $17,000.

Since October 2016, 15 complaints have been lodged against the landscaper who is said to have taken deposits and failed to carry out the work or provide refunds, in breach of the Australian Consumer Law.

Some consumers have taken legal action in the Magistrates Court against Mr Potter and have received court orders for a refund.

Commissioner for Consumer Protection David Hillyard said, while Mr Potter has made small payments to some affected consumers, the bulk of their deposit money remains outstanding.

“Consumer Protection has attempted to resolve the complaints but, despite numerous promises to refund consumers the full amount, the payments have not eventuated,” Mr Hillyard said.

“This is very frustrating for both the consumers involved and the Department, so we must now warn other consumers not to deal with this tradesperson until these matters are resolved.

“Under consumer law it is illegal to accept a deposit but fail to complete the work within a reasonable timeframe.

“It is also a reminder to consumers not to pay too much upfront for goods or services. Only pay a minimal deposit of about ten per cent or, for larger jobs, negotiate progress payments as stages of the work are completed.

“It is also illegal for tradespeople to accept deposits of more than 6.5 per cent for building work valued at more than $7,500.”

Consumers who have had unsatisfactory dealings with Mr Potter and have yet to lodge a complaint are urged to do so. Online complaints can be lodged on the Consumer Protection website www.consumerprotection.wa.gov.au. Enquiries can be made by email consumer@dmirs.wa.gov.au or by calling 1300 30 40 54.